Week 102: Anglia Panel Truck

This week's Hot Wheels truck has a branded logo for California-based Mooneyes, maker of customization parts for cars and motorcycles. The shop began in the 50s, and perhaps had a humble beginning such as this:

The above sign was made after Racer A begged me to find some cardboard. We had just removed his training wheels for the first time and, since that removal went so swimmingly, he decided we should open a shop. After making the sign, A plopped down on a chair outside our garage and held the sign high in the air like he was at a fundraising carwash, waiting for cars to drive by on the road.

"You know, we don't actually know how to fix bikes, right?" I asked, vaguely afraid that against all odds someone would pull in and ask for us to adjust the disc brake caliper on her new high performance racing bike.

"We don't?" he asked. "Well, what if someone is riding down the road with training wheels and pulls in for us to take them off?"

"They'll be in luck," I said. "We can help them then."

"Perfect," he said, continuing to hold the sign aloft. His arms showed no sign of the sign making them tired.

His confidence was unwavering, but it should have been.

I had previously removed his training wheels for the first time and was taking them to the garage, simultaneously beginning the obligatory bicycle pep talk to my helmeted kindergartner.

"Now don't get discouraged if...." I said to nobody. Racer A had hopped on the bike and ridden off.

I stood up, amazed. No pushing the bike from behind, no fatherly instruction, no comforting an  insecure pre-schooler psyche. Nope, my son had simply pedaled away without fanfare.

"What...." I began. "How did you do that?" I asked as he slid to a stop. "I didn't know you could...."

He was beaming. "DAD!! You were right! It is fun to ride without training wheels!" He pushed off and rode back to me, circling around and back down the drive again.

I was incredulous.

But at least I was right. It is fun riding without training wheels. Now back to work  in case someone pedals up my drive. Those training wheels aren't going to take themselves off.


Picture of Hot Wheels sloppily taken by myself. Look forward to the usual high-quality images from Phil Pekarcik down the road.